Meet the Team - Joe Ingram

Company Role: PE Educator

Favourite quote: “If you’re not doing what you love, you’re just wasting your time” - Billy Joel

What is something Primary School headteachers and PE co-ordinators have to deal with that you want to fix?

I think the biggest issue I’ve seen and heard in regards to PE for coordinators and headteachers is planning out a year’s curriculum which meets the required standards. I believe some schools focus too much on delivering sports rather than individual skills. For example, Schools may break down their PE syllabus by assigning a sport for a half term, e.g., Netball for Autumn 1. Headteachers and PE coordinators may decide to use this method because they think it’s the easiest or potentially the only way.

A proper fix to this problem is to take some time to create a flexible, skill-based curriculum for all classes. With the help of specialist providers, like PEAK, this becomes really simple. Specialists in PE have a vast amount of knowledge of different skills which can be delivered across the year. Rather than having a new sport each half term, having a skill theme allows for more flexible teaching, learning, and potentially more sports for children to take part in. For example, in Autumn term 1, Key Stage 1 classes could focus on throwing and catching, then in Autumn Term 2 invasion games.

So overall, rather than Headteachers and Coordinators using sports to plan out their PE curriculum, I believe they should focus on creating a skill-based curriculum with specialist help if required.

What do you do at PEAK?

My role at PEAK is to work at Waterville Primary School from Monday to Friday. At Waterville, I deliver PE Lessons, Lunchtime, and Afterschool clubs for Reception, all classes in KS1 and KS2.

I’ve been at Waterville since September 2019, meaning I’ve had plenty of time to build fantastic relationships with staff and create a positive rapport with Waterville’s amazing children.

What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I started working with PEAK straight after finishing school, so I had limited experience working with children prior to that. Since I started my apprenticeship I’ve been working hard to complete a range of qualifications, CPD and coaching courses which have helped me in my role as a PE Educator. Over the last 3 years I’ve completed my Level 2 in Football and started my Level 2 in cricket. Fair to say I didn’t have much experience prior to taking on my current role, but over the last 2 years I’ve learnt so much thanks to help from staff at Waterville and PEAK. What’s your Archetype?

50% Advocate

The Advocate is the one everyone wants on their side. In the name of justice, they are not afraid to challenge authority or speak up for others. 31% Caregiver

Friendly, sincere, and compassionate, the Caregiver finds their reward in helping others. No one could ask for a better best friend. 19% Intellectual

The Intellectual is the ultimate dinner-party guest. Engaging questions and thoughtful debate are their trademarks. What do you like about working at PEAK? What I love about working for PEAK the most is simply the chance to work in Education. When I first joined PEAK, I wasn't sure if a career in Education is something I would like to pursue; however, soon after starting with the company, my mind has been made up. The experience I have gained over the last three years has been truly fantastic, and I've created memories working with my school, which will stay with me into adult life.

Working for PEAK is also very rewarding in different ways. One of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing Children learning and progressing, not only in PE lessons but also in school life. Another aspect of working for PEAK, which has been rewarding, has been my personal development in things such as delivering PE and behaviour management.

What’s your background?

I was born in Ipswich, then my family moved to Burnley when I was a baby, and then my family moved to the North East when I was 6, which is where we’ve been based ever since. Mowbray First School was the School I started at after moving to the area; afterward, I moved to Guidepost Middle, then Meadowdale Middle School. Finally, I completed my school days at St. Benet Biscop.

I’ve always been involved in sports since I was a kid. Football and Cricket were the two sports I played competitively, which remains the same today.

At School I was the classic quiet, under the radar sort of student. On the whole, I enjoyed my time in School, especially in PE. When I finished my exams, I was just about to start my A-Levels, but on the same day I was due to start, I interviewed for my apprenticeship, which I managed to get through, and the rest is history!

.

What are the values that drive you?

The main value which drives me is always wanting to learn and improve. Whether it be work-related or something else, I’m constantly trying to better myself in different ways. This could be learning a new skill or improving my teaching skills.

Positivity is another value that has started to drive me over the last year. The latest lockdown was tough for everyone, including me. At times I found it tricky to find the motivation to do tasks. However, when I started to think about the positive parts of life and doing things I enjoy, it made lockdown days a lot easier and enjoyable. I’ve taken this back into normal life, for example listening to some of my favourite songs during tough times to help the situation.

Another value that drives me is honesty. I’ve been brought up on doing the right thing and telling the truth, which sticks with me in everyday life. It’s very cliche, but I believe the old saying “honesty is the best policy” is true, especially when working with other professionals. Your top 3 favourite Podcasts/Books?

At the moment my 3 favourite podcasts are: The Tifo Football Podcast Full Disclosure with James O’Brien Test Match Special Podcast I enjoy listening to these podcasts on my commute to work or before going to sleep.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

The Cricket season started in April so I’ve loved being able to play again for my club - Cramlington CC. This year I’m the captain of our Academy XI which I can’t wait to get stuck into.

Away from cricket, I enjoy coaching junior football. I’m currently manager of an under 9 football team who I’ve worked with since under 7s, so it’s been brilliant seeing all the players develop.